P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Joan Mir battles with former team-mate Marc Marquez during his best day as a Honda MotoGP rider.
Joan Mir had no complaints about the firm pass by former team-mate Marc Marquez, acknowledging the fair overtake in the Japanese MotoGP Sprint. Mir expressed understanding that such bold moves are necessary in racing, especially in challenging overtaking conditions. Despite losing time due to the overtake, Mir commended the competitive spirit and excitement it brought to the race.
Mir’s performance on Saturday marked his most successful day on an RCV, securing a second place in qualifying and showcasing strong defensive skills in the Sprint. While Mir held off Marquez for multiple laps, he eventually had to yield after fierce battles. Mir’s satisfaction with his performance was tinged with a desire for a podium finish he narrowly missed.
Reflecting on his race, Mir acknowledged the difficulty of reclaiming a podium position due to time lost during the battle with Marquez. Despite the challenges, Mir remains optimistic about his podium potential and appreciates the hard-fought race experience. Mir’s intense push throughout the race left him drained but fulfilled, highlighting the excitement and satisfaction of competitive racing. Mir’s teammate Luca Marini finished in seventh place, setting the stage for an exciting grand prix with anticipated tire strategy changes.
